Drought

A drought is a period of below-average
precipitation in a given region, resulting in prolonged shortages in its
water supply, whether atmospheric, surface water or ground water. A drought can last for months or years, or may be declared after as few as 15 days. [Definition from Wikipedia]

The effects of prolonged drought conditions can be seen in the growth and appearance of crops and lawns, as well as in low levels of lakes, rivers, streams and wells. Visit the resources listed below for more information on drought topics related to you.

Agriculture

Drought Management Revised -YouTube video from Cornell Small Farms Program and CCE-Chenango that offers strategies for periods with little or no rain, when grass and forages are in short supply.

Livestock Drought Concerns
(PDF) - covers general ideas for watering livestock during drought,
what to do if the main water source dries up, and other concerns
(CCE-Delaware / Watershed Agriculture Program, 2012).

General / Household

20 Ways to Save Water (PDF) - a brief listing of ways to conserve water by modifying your everyday living habits (Penn State University, 2008).

Preparing for a Water Emergency (PDF, 12pp) is a tool for food processors, food manufacturers, and other large volume water users to be better prepared for water shortage and contamination emergencies (Penn State University, 2011).

Drought Gardening, from University of Vermont Extension, Dept. of Plant & Soil Science.

Gardening under Drought Conditions (PDF) covers recycling and conserving water, ways to minimize water evaporation in the garden, and other gardening practices you should use in time of drought (CCE-Dutchess & Rockland Counties, 2004).

Water Systems

Managing Your Well During a Drought (PDF) - This fact sheet from Penn State University Cooperative Extension covers groundwater fluctuations, impacts of land use, how to monitor groundwater levels, conservation techniques, and what to do if your well runs dry (Penn State University, 2005).

Using Low-Yielding Wells - This page from Penn State University Cooperative Extension discusses well yield, peak demand, how to reduce peak water use, increasing water storage, and pump and well capacity.

Plant Selection

At Cornell

The
Northeast Regional Climate Center facilitates and enhances the collection, dissemination and use of climate
data and information, and monitors and assesses climatic
conditions and impacts in the 12-state, northeastern region of the
United States.